National Council on Strength and Fitness

• The National Council on Strength and Fitness certifies personal trainers based on an examination that covers topics including functional anatomy; exercise physiology; health and physical fitness; nutrition; weight management; training instruction and consideration for special populations. The council has home courses, a personal trainer school, and a personal trainer workshop.
  
  

American Council on Exercise

• The American Council on Exercise certification requires an applicant to be 18 years old and have certification in CPR and AED. The certification requires knowledge of risk factor screening; fitness assessment; nutrition; exercise science; exercise progressions; instructional and spotting techniques; lifestyle modification; and professional scope of practice. The program has a home study course and study coach help.
  
  

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America

• The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America has a certification test that covers anatomy and kinesiology; fitness assessment testing procedures; nutrition fundamentals and weight management; special populations and medical considerations; listening, leadership and motivational skills; excercise programming in the weight room; wellness programming; and screening guidelines. There is a three day pre-certification workshop.
  
  

National Academy of Sports Medicine

• The National Academy of Sports Medicine has a personal trainer certification program. Applicants must have certification in CPR and AED and be 18 years of age. The certification test assesses knowledge of exercise risk factors; effective communication with the client; cardiorespiratory training; functional anatomy and exercise physiology; exercise technique; neuromuscular stabilization training and other areas. The academy offers classes to prepare for the certification exam.